RE: Formalin substitutes.... (again!)

From:"Tom T. McNemar" <TMcNemar@lmhealth.org>

I was really hoping to go the other way around..... I would prefer to get
rid of formalin altogether but that is unlikely.  I would rather be able to
give the substitute out to the offices and other sites and keep the formalin
in the lab.  Formalin is such a hassle.  The offices and even some sites in
the hospital are just sure that formalin is an instant killer. Training in
formalin precautions is an ongoing process but it seems like I am
continually providing MSD sheets, explaining, etc.

Tom Mc Nemar, HT(ASCP)
Pathology Supervisor
Licking Memorial Hospital
Newark, Ohio

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Pam Gutierrez [SMTP:vha0195@ibm.net]
> Sent:	Tuesday, October 31, 2000 1:58 PM
> To:	Tom T. McNemar
> Cc:	Histonet (E-mail)
> Subject:	Re: Formalin substitutes.... (again!)
> 
>  We have been using Histochoice for years in our processors and are
> extremely
> pleased. We once tried to discontinue the use of formalin altogether but
> were
> displeased with the appearance of the gross tissue (grey and necrotic
> looking)
> and found that small biopsies, gastric as well as gynecologic specimens
> were not
> adequate for microscopic evaluation.  We returned to using formalin for
> specimen
> collection and initial fixation.  The secondary fixation with Histochoice
> in the
> processing stage (we add 1 gal. of reagent alc. to 4 gal of prepared
> Histochoice) has proven to be fast acting and less hazardous to the techs
> changing the reagents on the processor.  Our H&E's as well as special
> stains and
> immuno's are beautiful.
> "Tom T. McNemar" wrote:
> 
> > Is anyone using Histochoice?  How about Excel?  If you are, have you had
> any
> > problems with IHC, receptors, or flow?  Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Tom Mc Nemar, HT(ASCP)
> > Pathology Supervisor
> > Licking Memorial Hospital
> > Newark, Ohio
> 



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